Friday, May 15, 2009

POETRY FRIDAY: Three Poems for My Daughter

Sara and Me

In February, I wrote about my daughter’s engagement in this post: Will You Marry Me? A couple of Saturdays ago my daughter called and asked if I’d come with her to The French Bridal Shop to look at wedding gowns. She wasn’t planning to buy a gown that day—she just wanted to browse and maybe try a few gowns on. But once we got to the shop and she found several gowns she liked things got more serious. Well, we bought (ordered) her wedding dress that day! It’s absolutely gorgeous—just liked my only child.

I’ve been thinking about my daughter Sara a lot lately—about how much fun my husband and I had watching her grow up, about how proud we are of the woman she has become, about how much we enjoy being in her company, about how happy we are that she has found a wonderful man to share her life with.

I thought I’d post three poems for her today. Naomi Shihab Nye’s What Is Supposed to Happen has been one of my favorite poems for many years. I included it in a memory book for Sara when she graduated from high school.

Elaine, I hear you. My third daugther is getting married this fall. The last of 4 to start her life with a person, who for me, is like a stranger, not myself.It is so odd to realize that someone else, who did not bring into the world, nurture and love this wonderful woman, will know her far more intimately than I ever will, will be the keeper of her secrets and dreams for the rest of her life.I am jealous, in fact, of each of my children's life partner.But.... I know from experience, that I will always be her mother, and that she will always come back to me for guidence, with questions about life and, I guess, that is good enough.Enjoy the moments!

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